10 Cities to Add to Your Bucket List: The Weird, The Wonderful and The Outright Bizarre

• Looking for end of the year inspiration for your 2019 bucket list? Take a look at these different cities around the world and how to explore them like a local.
• The USA takes the lead with six destinations, with the UK, Denmark, Finland, and Portugal all featuring in the top ten overall.
• Comparethemarket.com have researched the best places to visit, comparing metrics such as a city hipster index, cost, and the number of Instagram posts.

October 2019: Compared to elder generations, millennials are spending and travelling more in order to experience the world. But with typical destinations such as Australia and Thailand becoming over-saturated with tourists, comparethemarket.com have created an alternative bucket list for those struck by wanderlust.

Need inspiration for your 2019 bucket list? Here’s a list of the top ten destinations where you can experience some of the coolest cities the world has to offer:

1. Seattle, WA – A modern metropolis, with acres of parkland, Seattle takes number one for versatility. No visit is complete without dining at the vibrant Pike Place Market. With 492,000 Instagram posts about the market, try their famous clam chowder or fresh seafood from the various vendors.
2. Portland, OR – For lovers of art, local breweries, and coffee, Portland is the place to be. Know as the city’s ‘living room’, Pioneer Courthouse Square is one of the coolest destinations on the list. With live music and food trucks, there’s something to do all year round.
3. Brighton and Hove, UK – If you love the sea, eccentricity, and festivals, Brighton may be the destination for you. Take a trip to the not-for-profit, Marlborough Pub & Theatre, for a tasty English roast and a pint, or if it’s sunny you can head to the shore and enjoy some traditional fish and chips – be careful of the seagulls though.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark – You can’t have a bucket list unless you’ve ticked one Scandinavian city off the map, and Christiania is the perfect place if you’re looking for something different. With around 166,000 Instagram posts, this Freetown boasts colourful houses and an alternative hippy society.
5. Miami, FL – Visit the Wynwood Yard, one of Miami’s coolest neighbourhoods, brimming with galleries, dive bars, and quirky shops. You can also see the local community gathering together to enjoy tasty vegan food and live music.
6. Orlando, FL – Everybody thinks of Disneyworld when you mention Orlando, but there’s so much more to this wonderful city. Lake Eola Park is one of the more scenic places to visit, with farmers markets, beer gardens, and if you’re feeling romantic a trip on a swan boat.
7. Lisbon, Portugal – As Portugal’s hipster capital, you’ll walk through cobbled streets, historic centres and visit unique galleries, cocktail bars, and restaurants. Take a trip to Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, to enjoy a hilltop view of a sunset over the city.
8. Pittsburgh, PA – This may not be the first place you think of for a bucket list, but with over 35,000 Instagram posts, Pittsburgh’s Phipps Conservatory and botanical gardens are worth a visit all year round. 
9. Helsinki, Finland – There’s plenty of amazing things to see in Finland’s capital, especially Temppeliaukio Church which is built from solid rock. Don’t worry if you’re not religious as anyone can visit this stunning church, with plenty of live shows taking place, so you can enjoy the surreal acoustics of a rockin’ church.
10. Spokane, WA – If you love history and natural beauty, Spokane is the perfect addition to your 2019 bucket list. Kendall Yards Night Market is located on the river gorge, with vendors selling the best fresh produce, organic goods and live music for entertainment each week.

For more information on the best places for alternative travel destinations or to see the full list, please visit comparethemarket.com.